Master Bezaes sermons upon the three chapters of the canticle of canticlesMaster Bezaes sermons vpon the three chapters of the canticle of canticles

8 But that which is after said, namely that this Lilly is among thorns, giveth us to understand, what the condition of the Church here below is, to wit a lamp shining amidst the darkness of this world, Phil. 2.15. or as a sheep among the wolves, Mat. 10.16. in a word, as a flourishing plant in the deserts full of millions of crooked briars and thorns: being notwithstanding of a most sweet smell, amongst all stinking and venomous plants Neither are these thorns only round about this fair Lilly, but thrust themselves into her, and seek to choke the Lilly and her flowers. Nay which more is these thorns shall not be rooted up until the latter day, as is declared by the parable ⟨p. 213⟩of the tares, Matt. 13.24. yea besides this, every one carrieth in his hart the remnant of these thorns, as incredulity, which seeketh to choke faith, distrust sighting against hope, in a word, the flesh resisting the spirit: in which combat we feel many great and grievous pricks, Matt. 13.22. Gal. 5 17. Rom. 8.23. Such therefore is the condition of the Church and of every member thereof, as continual experience witnesseth, whereof it was necessary we should be put in mind and warned, to the end we should not think that we can be the Lilly which is liking and smelleth sweet unto the men of this world: but contrariwise that we should make our account betimes, that the more we be changed into true Lilies by the grace of God, the more we shall displease the hogs and dogs of this world, to whom nothing is sweet but that which is filthy and unclean, the enmity of God and the world being perpetual.

8 But that which is after saide, namelie that this Lilly is among thorns, giueth vs to vnderstand, what the condition of the Church here below is, to wit a lamp shining amidst the darkenes of this world,